There are a couple intriguing new bouts that were revealed for upcoming fight cards, and here are my first reactions to these bouts in today’s MMA odds and ends.
Johnny Walker vs. Misha Cirkunov, UFC 235
An accident to Ovince Saint-Preux has knocked him from the UFC 235 matchup against Misha Cirkunov, also filling in on short notice will be Johnny Walker. UFC 235 occur March 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. MMAFighting.com broke the news of the replacement matchup. Walker (16-3) looks like he might be the upcoming huge thing at 205lbs. The Brazilian is about an eight-fight win streak and is 2-0 at the UFC with back-to-back KOs over Justin Ledet and Khalil Rountree. He’s a star in the making and this battle will give him the chance to beat a ranked fighter and leap in the branch’s top-10. Cirkunov (14-4) is 5-1 in the UFC with all his wins coming by stoppage, but he himself has been knocked out two. Cirkunov was arguably the best prospect in the light heavyweight division at the same stage, but Walker is currently, and I’d need to think Walker will be a big favorite to win this battle.
Alejandro Perez vs. Cody Stamann, UFC 235
Because of an accident to Song Yadong, Alejandro Perez will take on Cody Stamann in UFC 235. Perez (21-6-1) is 7-1-1 in the UFC and conquer Eddie Wineland in his final struggle. Stamann (17-2) is currently 3-1 at the UFC and is coming off of a submission loss to Aljamain Sterling. Perez has an wonderful album but stylistically Stamann poses matchup problems for him. I think Perez will be the favorite due to his win series, but Stamann is very live here.
Luis Pena vs. Steven Peterson, UFC Fight Night 148
Featherweights Luis Pena and Steven Peterson will meet UFC Fight Night 148, taking place March 23 at Bridgestone Arena at Nashville, Tennessee. Rodney James broke the information. Pena (5-1) is 1-1 in the UFC and lost a split decision to Michael Trizano his last time out. Peterson (17-7) is 1-1 in the UFC too and is coming from a split decision win over Matt Bessete. Close fight here between two guys who need to find more consistency, but depending on his popularity Pena will surely be the betting favorite in this one despite creating his 145lbs debut.
David Branch vs. Jack Hermansson, UFC on ESPN 2 Middleweights David Branch and Jack Hermansson are set to lock horns in UFC on ESPN 2, occurring March 30 in Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Branch (22-5) is 2-2 in his most recent stint at the UFC but is coming from a sudden KO loss to Jared Cannonier. Hermansson (18-4) is 5-2 at the Octagon and is coming off of back-to-back stoppage wins over Thales Leites and Gerald Meerschaert. Branch was on a great win series for some time but both knockout losses he’s in the UFC concerns me. I’d have to favor Hermansson in this one only based on his momentum as well as the fact he’s the younger and bigger fighter in this matchup.
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